Introduction
'The Vine' is an emerging relational network of prototype 'simple' churches, transcending the traditional boundaries of secular/sacred, and clergy/laity. It is dedicated to the coming of Christ's kingdom to earth through reformational transition in the church.
'The Vine' is committed to preparing a 'dwelling place' for the manifest-presence of God in the world.
Jesus said,
"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Mat 18:20
We have historically defined the church of Jesus Christ by our denominational structures, theologies, worship styles, leaders and leadership styles, local church vision, programme, and mission rather than by His presence. While some of these things may be integral elements in the life of God's people, biblically they are not the defining thing.
It is the manifest-presence of God which alone distinguishes the people of God:
"For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?" (Exo 33:16)
His manifest-presence may be contrasted with His omni-presence. While the latter shows God as everywhere present at all times the former shows Him as especially present in a specific place and time.
God, under the old covenant, was manifest to the nations through His people in various 'dwelling places' - tabernacles and temples. But now He is revealed through His people, the church, who are corporately the 'dwelling place'.
Jesus presence is revealed among us primarily:
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Joh 13:35)
- By supernatural operations of the Holy Spirit (supernaturally)
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1Co 12:4-7)
- By engagement with calling & creation (vocationally)
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over all the earth..." God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it..." (Gen 1:26-28)
We are dedicated to nurturing God's presence through the church both gathered and scattered.
The church gathered (Jesus said it only needs two or three - some are calling this 'simple' church) practices the presence of God in diverse settings and ways. They may gather on a campus, in a restaurant, or in a lounge room. Their worship styles will be diverse, ranging from silence to exuberant celebration, from electric guitars, to indigenous instruments, depending on the cultural context and leading of the Holy Spirit. This principle is incarnational in that God reveals himself with a human face. Jesus comes supernaturally, but as a man within a particular culture. Even so, He transcends human culture. In fact, when a culture becomes an idol Christ reveals Himself as radically counter-cultural. He is in it, but not of it.
The church scattered expresses the life of Christ through each individual's vocational calling. This is heaven invading earth through the followers of Jesus in the trades, professions, arts, media, government, and business. It is the counter-culture of God's kingdom filling the earth with the knowledge of His glory, ultimately healing the planet from the impact of sin.
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